Randstad Canada News Room

According to the latest Randstad Workmonitor study, which surveys employees in 32 countries around the world, one out of three Canadians say they are very satisfied with their current employer – placing Canadians amongst the highest employee satisfaction levels reported globally.

The Randstad Workmonitor asked workers from around the world to rank their satisfaction level out of four answer categories (very satisfied, satisfied, not satisfied/not dissatisfied, dissatisfied). Canadian employees ranked the highest amongst the 14 non-European countries surveyed, as nearly one in three (31%) report to be: “very satisfied’’. Only Denmark (35%), Luxembourg (33%) and Norway (33%) and Switzerland (32%) reported higher levels of workers being ‘very satisfied’ with their current employers.

“There are a number of reasons why Canadians have more on the job satisfaction than other markets,” says Jan Hein Bax, President of Randstad Canada. “With our strong marketplace, employees often find they have more job security and flexibility than other countries, and better work environments.”

Job security: The importance of job security has become more significant to employees due to the economic challenges experienced over the last few years. In 2011, Randstad Canada enlisted an independent firm to survey over 7,000 Canadians and the results clearly show that job security is a factor that Canadian’s truly care about. Over half (53%) of survey respondents ranked job security as one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an employer.

“Job satisfaction is about more than just salary and compensation. Many of today's employees are looking for a sense of security, one in which they do not fear that their jobs will be in jeopardy," added Bax.

Flexibility: Because of the looming labour shortages, more and more employers are becoming sensitive to their employees’ needs. Canadian organizations are putting in extra efforts to make sure their employees are evolving in a flexible and accommodating environment that will help them achieve a suitable work life balance, another important value for Canadian workers.

“Forward-looking organizations know that they need to adapt to the needs of a diversified workforce to keep their employees happy and retain their talent’’, adds Bax.

Work environment: Corporate culture and work environment is a key determinant for Canadians making the choice to stay with an organization. The results from last year’s independent survey also highlight that a pleasant work atmosphere ranked as the number one, most important factor (according to six out of ten respondents), when seeking an employer.

“Even with the stresses and pressure the workplace can sometimes bring, Canadians find great comfort in their relationships with colleagues and managers,” explains Bax. “Even by taking part in corporate social and charitable activities, employees gain a sense of pride that is in tune with their need to contribute positively to society. Many Canadian businesses support employee volunteering programs, and this resonates well with the values of Canadian workers.”

The Randstad Workmonitor: After the successful introduction of the Workmonitor in the Netherlands in 2003 and more recently in Germany, the survey now covers 32 countries around the world, encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. The Randstad Workmonitor is published four times a year, making both local and global trends in mobility regularly visible over time. The quantitative study is conducted via an online questionnaire among a population aged 18-65, working a minimum of 24 hours a week in a paid job (not self-employed). The minimal sample size is 400 interviews per country, using Survey Sampling International. Research for the first wave of 2012 was conducted from January 20 to February 14, 2012.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca